Former world No. 1 Ash Barty will return to Wimbledon for an invitational doubles event on July 9, marking her first appearance at a major tennis event since her surprising retirement in March 2022. Barty, who won the Wimbledon singles title in 2021 and has since become a mother, will join other former professionals in the exhibition. Wimbledon organizers expressed their delight at her return. Since retiring, Barty has dabbled in golf and maintained that she has no plans for a full-time return to tennis. Her comeback has generated significant excitement, particularly as she was a beloved figure in Australian tennis, ending a 41-year singles title drought at Wimbledon.